The were supported by appliances from Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and Bridgwater as well a welfare unit from Ivybridge, an Urban Search and Rescue Team and a High Volume Pump from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service HQ.

Paul Mitchell, incident commander, said the fire service was called just after 2.25pm, he said: “We were called to a thatch roof fire on farm house. When the crews arrived they were faced with a well developed fire within the thatch. The crews helped the occupiers of the house to retrieve valuables while setting out to suppress the fire.

The fire destroyed the thatched roof and top storey of the building. (Image: Witheridge Fire Station)

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“Ten fire appliance were called from all over North Devon and various support appliances including aerial platform ladders. We continue to try to extinguish the fire while supporting the farmer with his business continuity. There are a number of cows due to be milked.”

The cause of the fire is unknown and is under investigation. Paul said: “I would like to thank the local community for their support.”

Crews had to use aerial ladders to battle the fire which destroyed the entire top floor, as well as bringing in a structural engineer to assess the property’s integrity.

The smoke could be seen from miles away. (Image: Witheridge Fire Station)